Associate Director, Human Resources – OVCR

Associate Director, Human Resources (OVCR)

Hiring Department:Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR)

Location: Chicago, IL

Requisition ID: 1041609

Posting Close Date: August 7, 2026

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $100,000 - $125,000. The final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position manages Human Resources staff and functions for critical research positions in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR). This position will support staff and leaders through a broad spectrum of HR services including performance management, employee relations, policy interpretation, workforce planning and talent acquisition and staff development. Participates in strategic planning in OVCR and works to implement new policies and programs. Provides leadership to allow the Director to focus on more strategic HR planning in OVCR.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Responsibilities

Manage the operations of the HR programs of OVCR and coordinate all human resources activities including recruiting and hiring personnel, appointment changes, separations, develop job descriptions for new positions, etc.

Lead critical research staffing efforts through all phases of workforce planning and talent acquisition ensuring a successful hire and excellent candidate experience.

Partner with research areas to conduct position and job description review, draft posting and marketing communication, actively recruit, extend offers and support candidates through initial on boarding.

Recommend possible courses of action, establish new procedures, and initiate changes in existing procedures to increase the operating efficiency of research as it relates to Human Resources.

Collaborate with Research Resources Center (RRC) administrative staff for handling daily administrative matters such as finances, facilities, and human resources.

Provide professional/technical knowledge of sufficient depth to support oversight decisions.

Coordinate with RRC Core Directors, faculty, professional and management staff to develop policy recommendations relative to core.

Manage staff responsible for all transactional processing for all of OVCR.

Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations (Policy and Rules, Statute and Rules, SUCSS and the UIC Access/Equity Program) in all employment activities.

Provide collaboration to OVCR HR for all communications, policy development collaboration and implementation, employee development and disciplinary matters.

Work with leadership to plan, develop and implement strategic workforce structure and succession planning for anticipated growth in OVCR

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Administration or a field closely related to the position.

A minimum of three years of work experience in human resources in a scientific or academic research setting.

HR experience supporting research and scientific professions in areas such as data analytics, clinical research, basic sciences, research centers.

Demonstrated ability as an operational HR leader.

Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and/or regulations affecting public human resources administration; ability to develop a broad knowledge of those of the employing institution.

Strong interpersonal, management and communication skills.

Excellent customer service skills

Knowledge of information systems (Word, Excel, Adobe, and other database applications).

Ability to exercise judgment in evaluating situations and utilizing appropriate resources.

Ability to establish and maintain excellent relations with colleagues and management and maintain confidentiality.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.